Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:
What is the Real Warriors Campaign?
A:
The Real Warriors Campaign encourages members of the military community to seek help for psychological health concerns by promoting a culture of support and emphasizing that mental health care IS health care. Initially founded in May 2009, the campaign was revitalized in 2023 through collaboration between the Defense Department’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) and the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO). The campaign remains active in the Department of Defense’s mission to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, amplify suicide prevention efforts, and support military community psychological health and readiness. The campaign prioritizes early help seeking in the military community, encourages access to mental health care destigmatizes mental health, and increasing knowledge and understanding of mental health information.
Mental health concerns and needs present in a variety of ways from coping with the daily stresses of military life to challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Regardless of the concern, the Real Warriors Campaign links service members, veterans and their families with mental health knowledge and provides free, confidential resources including online articles, print materials, videos, and podcasts. If you or someone you know is coping with any concerns know that reaching out is a sign of strength. Remember, mental health IS health.
Q2:
What does it mean to be a Real Warrior?
A:
Real Warriors prioritize psychological fitness as much as physical fitness. Real Warriors know that the stressors of military life can impact one’s mental health.. Real Warriors know reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
Q4:
What does “Defend Your Mental Health” mean?
A:
Defending your mental health means making your mental health a priority. It means reducing stressors you can control, and increasing the use of supports, including mental health services. Mental health care is health care. No matter what you are facing, you don’t have to go at it alone. It’s ok to ask for help.
Q5:
How can I get involved with the Real Warriors Campaign
A:
Here are several ways to get involved:
- Link to the campaign on your website or blog.
- Download free materials to distribute at events or display at your facility.
- Use video profiles in trainings, briefings and presentations to service members, veterans, and families.
- Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Share and retweet campaign posts on your social media channels.
- Embed or run a video profile, video short or PSA on your website, closed circuit television or TV station.
- Include a print feature article or website article in your newspaper or publication.
- Become a campaign advocate and help reduce stigma and spread the message that reaching out is a sign of strength.
Q6:
What topics does the Real Warriors Campaign cover?
A:
The Real Warriors Campaign website includes articles on health topics like sleep, stress and anxiety, suicide prevention, and transitions written for active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, veterans, and military families. The articles provide a range of practical tips and resources for supporting early intervention for treatment of psychological health concerns in all stages of military life including separations and reintegration.
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6/21/2021
Retired Sgt. Maj. Raymond Chandler, the 14th Sgt. Major of the Army, experienced combat stress following deployment to Iraq. With the support of his command, Chandler reached out for the care he needed and continues to excel in his career.
Video
6/21/2021
Retired 1st Sgt. Tippett sustained invisible wounds, including PTSD and mild traumatic brain injuries, from explosions during combat deployments. He shares his story of seeking psychological health care and encourages others to do the same.
Video
6/21/2021
Retired 1st Sgt. Tippett sustained invisible wounds, including PTSD and mild traumatic brain injuries, from explosions during combat deployments. He shares his story of seeking psychological health care and encourages others to do the same.
Video
6/21/2021
Service members watch each other's backs in combat, and it is just as critical that they do so after deployment to help buddies recognize when they might need psychological support and to understand that reaching out is a sign of strength.
Video
6/21/2021
The significance of reaching out and receiving help for a traumatic brain injury or psychological health issue are vividly illustrated in these public service announcements presenting the story of Retired Sgt. Josh Hopper, U.S. Marine Corps.
Video
6/21/2021
Service members watch each other's backs in combat, and it is just as critical that they do so after deployment to help buddies recognize when they might need psychological support and to understand that reaching out is a sign of strength.
Video
6/21/2021
Every deployment is unique and can impact service members in different ways. In this public service announcement, Retired Maj. Jeff Hall describes returning from his second Iraq deployment and feeling caught between the need for psychological support and reluctance to seek it out.
Video
6/21/2021
After hitting rock bottom, Technical Sgt. Joshua Williamson decided to reach out for help for alcohol misuse. With support from his family, friends and healthcare providers, Technical Sgt. Joshua Williamson completed his second round of ADAPT, and is now sharing messages of strength with his military brothers and sisters.
Video
6/21/2021
After surviving a suicide attempt, Retired Sgt. 1st Class David Parish was determined to let his fellow warriors know about the importance of striving for progress, not perfection and reaching out for support from the Military Health System.
Video
6/21/2021
When a service member deploys, everyone around them is affected. These warriors and family members share their experiences and challenges of returning home and reintegrating with their loved ones.
Video
6/21/2021
Service members watch each other's backs in combat, and it is just as critical that they do so after deployment to help buddies recognize when they might need psychological support and to understand that reaching out is a sign of strength.
Video
6/21/2021
Retired U.S. Marine Sgt. Hopper saw combat from the front lines during two tours in Iraq. While there, he experienced wounds and traumatic brain injury from IED blasts. Returning home, he faced new challenges as a result of PTSD.
Video
6/21/2021
After being shot four times in Afghanistan, Retired Maj. Jeremy Haynes faced thoughts of depression and suicide on his path to physical recovery. However, after reaching out for support from his wife and healthcare providers, Maj. Jeremy Haynes began to heal his visible and invisible wounds of war.
Video
6/21/2021
Military life is rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. But I Can, I Will stay mission ready. Take the first step.
Video
6/21/2021
Returning home from combat or other deployments can be joyful and, sometimes, challenging. Difficulty reintegrating can increase stress and make it harder to cope with invisible wounds. In this video, warriors and family members share their reintegration experiences.
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